Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education; Designation Policy Update and Notice of Opportunity To Apply for Designation for 2023, 46829-46834 [2023-15382]

Agencies

• Maritime Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 138 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46829-46834]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15382]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Maritime Administration

[Docket Number MARAD-2018-0088]


Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training 
and Education; Designation Policy Update and Notice of Opportunity To 
Apply for Designation for 2023

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice updates the Centers of Excellence for Domestic 
Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) designation policy and 
invites eligible and qualified training entities to apply to the 
Maritime Administration (MARAD) for designation as a 2023 CoE. CoE 
designations serve to assist the maritime industry in obtaining and 
maintaining the highest quality workforce. On December 23, 2022, 
Congress passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA), which changed the eligibility 
criteria for CoE designations by amending the definition of ``covered 
training entity'' (see Key Terms). As a result, MARAD has terminated 
action on all 2022 applications which were based on eligibility 
criteria no longer valid under the new law.

DATES: Applications, including all supporting information and 
documents, must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. E.T. on September 18, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Applications, including all supporting information and 
documents, must be submitted via electronic mail to [email protected]. 
The original application letter, including one copy of all supporting 
information and documents, may also be submitted by mail addressed to 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, Deputy 
Associate Administrator for Maritime Education and Training, Attention: 
CoE Designation Program, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerard Wall, Centers of Excellence for 
Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) Program 
Manager, via electronic mail at [email protected] or call 202-366-
7273.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3507 of the FY 2018 NDAA provided 
authority to the Secretary to designate eligible and qualified entities 
as CoEs. This authority is codified at 46 U.S.C. 51706. Following the 
enactment of the FY 2018 NDAA, MARAD developed a procedure to recommend 
to the Secretary the designation of eligible institutions as CoEs. 
Section 3532 of the FY 2023 NDAA, enacted on December 23, 2022, changed 
eligibility criteria for CoE designations by amending the definition of 
``covered training entity.'' MARAD has revised its CoE designation 
procedure to conform to the amended CoE eligibility criteria in the FY 
2023 NDAA.
    Previously, the definition of ``covered training entity'' was 
restricted to institutions specifically identifying as a ``Community or 
Technical College'' or ``Maritime Training Center.'' The FY 2023 NDAA 
replaced those terms with new categories that include postsecondary 
education entities, apprenticeship sponsors, and structured 
experiential learning training programs.
    46 U.S.C. 51706(c)(1)(B), provides that a ``covered training 
entity'' includes (i) a postsecondary educational institution; (ii) a 
postsecondary vocational institution; (iii) a public or private 
nonprofit entity that offers one or more other structured experiential 
learning training programs for United States maritime industry, 
including a program that is offered by a labor organization or 
conducted in partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more 
employers in the United States maritime industry; (iv) an entity 
sponsoring a registered apprenticeship program; or (v) a maritime 
training center designated prior to the date of enactment of the FY 
2023 NDAA. As reflected in the definition of ``covered training 
entity'' in the Key Terms section of this notice, to be eligible for a 
2023 CoE designation, an entity must meet one of the eligibility 
criteria under clauses (i) through (v) of 46 U.S.C. 51706(C)(1)(B).
    Qualified training entities seeking to be designated as CoEs should 
apply to MARAD. MARAD has developed the new policy to provide 
interested parties with comprehensive agency guidance on how to apply 
for CoE designation and how the CoE program will be administered. 
Applications should include information to demonstrate that the 
applicant institution meets certain eligibility requirements, selection 
criteria, and qualitative attributes consistent with section 3532 of 
the FY 2023 NDAA.
    The MARAD application procedure and program details are listed 
below and are also available to the public on its website at https://www.maritime.dot.gov/education/maritime-centers-excellence.
    Eligible entities who submitted applications in response to the 
previous MARAD notice in the Federal Register (87 FR 43103) on July 19, 
2022, must resubmit their applications, including a new letter from the 
Chief Executive indicating which of the revised eligibility categories 
best reflects the nature of their institution and a statement 
explaining how they qualify under that applicable eligibility category. 
Such applicants may resubmit supporting documents and data from 2022 
unless there are substantive changes to the previously submitted 
information in which case an updated version is to be submitted with 
the 2023 application.

Prior Federal Action

    Multiple Federal Register Notices were published between May 2018 
and March 2020 seeking and responding to public comment on the proposed 
CoE designation policy. All unabridged comments are available for 
review electronically at www.regulations.gov by searching DOT Docket 
``MARAD-2018-0088'' or by visiting the DOT Docket, Room PL-401, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except for Federal Holidays.
    On March 06, 2020, MARAD published its final CoE designation policy 
in the Federal Register (85 FR 13231). Subsequently, MARAD issued a 
notice in the Federal Register (85 FR 67599) on October 23, 2020, 
entitled Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce: Notice 
of Opportunity to Apply for Training and Education Designation, and on 
the MARAD website at www.MARAD.dot.gov, requesting applications from 
qualified training entities seeking to be designated as a CoE. The 
application period closed on December 22, 2020. Thirty applications for 
designation were received. Upon the Secretary's approval, twenty-seven 
institutions were designated on May 19, 2021, as 2021 CoEs.
    On July 19, 2022, MARAD issued a notice in the Federal Register (87 
FR 43103), entitled Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime 
Workforce: Notice of Opportunity to Apply for Training and Education 
Designation, and on the MARAD website at www.MARAD.dot.gov, to solicit

[[Page 46830]]

applications from eligible and qualified training entities for the next 
round of CoE designations for 2022. The application period closed on 
September 19, 2022. Thirty-six applications for designation were 
received. However, before MARAD could complete final agency action on 
these applications, Congress enacted the FY 2023 NDAA, which amended 
the CoE designation eligibility criteria. Because of these changes to 
the eligibility criteria, MARAD has terminated action on the 2022 
applications which were based on eligibility criteria no longer valid 
under current law.
    MARAD has updated its CoE designation policy to conform to the FY 
2023 NDAA. The purpose of this notice is to announce termination of 
agency action on the 2022 applications, issue an updated CoE 
designation policy conforming to the FY 2023 NDAA, and solicit 
applications from eligible and qualified training entities under the FY 
2023 NDAA for 2023 CoE designations.

Applicant Assistance

    To assist applicants to be designated as a CoE please find below 
MARAD's policy to include recommendations on how best to apply.

MARAD Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and 
Education Designation Policy

    This policy describes the process through which MARAD will exercise 
its discretionary authority to designate CoEs in accordance with the FY 
2023 NDAA.

How To Be Designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime 
Workforce Training and Education

Introduction

    The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Maritime 
Administrator, may designate certain eligible and qualified training 
entities as CoEs. MARAD has developed the CoE Program to provide 
interested parties with comprehensive agency guidance on how best to 
apply for CoE designation. However, conformity with this CoE applicant 
guidance, except where explicit in the statute, is voluntary only. 
MARAD will review and consider all applications it receives and may 
contact applicants with questions to assist in reviewing their 
applications. The CoE Program is a voluntary program. Each eligible and 
qualified training entity is free to decide whether it wishes to 
participate in the program and apply for a CoE designation. 
Applications should include information to demonstrate that the 
applicant institution meets certain eligibility criteria, designation 
requirements, and attributes consistent with 46 U.S.C. 51706.

Key Terms

    The following list of key terms are either directly taken from the 
statute or have been developed by MARAD or from comments received from 
the public during our earlier notice and comment period. The list is 
intended to assist applicants by providing context and insight into the 
approval process. If you believe that your institution qualifies for 
CoE designee status under an alternate interpretation or by 
qualifications not otherwise explicitly stated in the statute, your 
application should include a cogent justification for any such 
alternative qualification, and it will be given due consideration 
during our review.
    1. ``Afloat career'' is a term developed by MARAD to mean a career 
as a merchant mariner compensated for service aboard a vessel in the 
U.S. Maritime Industry.
    2. ``Ashore career'' is a term developed by MARAD to mean a shore-
based compensated occupation in the United States Maritime Industry.
    3. ``Covered training entity'' means an entity that--
    (A) is located in a State that borders on the--
    (i) Gulf of Mexico;
    (ii) Atlantic Ocean;
    (iii) Long Island Sound;
    (iv) Pacific Ocean;
    (v) Great Lakes; or
    (vi) Mississippi River System.
    (B) is--
    i. a postsecondary educational institution (as such term is defined 
in section 3(39) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302));
    ii. a postsecondary vocational institution (as such term is defined 
in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1002(c));
    iii. a public or private nonprofit entity that offers one or more 
other structured experiential learning training programs for United 
States workers in the United States maritime industry, including a 
program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in 
partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more employers in 
the United States maritime industry; or
    iv. an entity sponsoring an apprenticeship program registered with 
the Office of Apprenticeship of the Employment and Training 
Administration of the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship 
agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship pursuant to the Act 
of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship 
Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.);
    v. a maritime training center designated prior to the date of 
enactment of the FY 2023 NDAA; and
    (C) has a demonstrated record of success in maritime workforce 
training and education.
    4. ``Mississippi River System'' is interpreted by MARAD to mean the 
mostly riverine network of the United States which includes the 
Mississippi River, and all connecting waterways, natural tributaries 
and distributaries. The system includes the Arkansas, Illinois, 
Missouri, Ohio, Red, Allegheny, Tennessee, Wabash and Atchafalaya 
rivers. Important connecting waterways include the Illinois Waterway, 
the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
    5. ``Postsecondary educational institution'' means--
    (A) an institution of higher education, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 
1001, that provides not less than a 2-year program of instruction that 
is acceptable for credit toward a bachelor's degree;
    (B) a tribally controlled college or university; or
    (C) a nonprofit educational institution offering certificate or 
other skilled training programs at the postsecondary level;
    6. ``Postsecondary vocational institution'' means a postsecondary 
vocational institution as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1002(c).
    7. ``State'' is interpreted by MARAD to mean a State of the United 
States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other 
territory or possession of the United States.
    8. ``Training program means a program that provides training 
services, as described in 29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(D).
    9. ``United States maritime industry'' (as such term is defined in 
46 U.S.C. 51706(c)(6)) means the design, construction, repair, 
operation, manning, and supply of vessels in all segments of the 
maritime transportation system of the United States, including:
    (A) the domestic and foreign trade;
    (B) the coastal, offshore, and inland trade;
    (C) non-commercial maritime activities, including -
    (i) recreational boating; and
    (ii) oceanographic and limnological research as described in 46 
U.S.C. 2101(24).

[[Page 46831]]

Applicant Information

    Note: Any entity that applied in 2022 under the Federal Register 
Notice published 7/19/2022, entitled Center of Excellence for Domestic 
Maritime Workforce; Notice of Opportunity to Apply for Maritime 
Training and Education Designation that would like to be considered for 
CoE designation must resubmit their application package. Resubmitted 
packages must include a new letter from the Chief Executive indicating 
which of the revised eligibility categories best reflects the nature of 
their institution and a statement explaining how they qualify under 
that applicable eligibility category. Such applicants may resubmit 
supporting documents and data from 2022 unless there are substantive 
changes to the previously submitted information in which case an 
updated version is to be submitted with the 2023 application.

1. Who is eligible to apply for designation as a Center of Excellence 
for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE)?

    Participation in the CoE program is entirely voluntary for a 
covered training entity. A covered training entity is not required to 
seek a CoE designation. Under the statute, a covered training entity 
that provides training and education for the domestic maritime 
workforce is eligible to apply so long as it meets the following 
criteria:
    a. The entity is located in a State that borders on at least one of 
the following bodies of water:
    1. Gulf of Mexico;
    2. Atlantic Ocean;
    3. Long Island Sound;
    4. Pacific Ocean;
    5. Great Lakes; or
    6. Mississippi River System.
    b. The entity has a demonstrated record of success in maritime 
workforce training and education; and
    c. The entity is:
    1. A postsecondary educational institution; or
    2. A postsecondary vocational institution; or
    3. A public or private nonprofit entity that offers one or more 
other structured experiential learning training programs for United 
States workers in the United States maritime industry, including a 
program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in 
partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more employers in 
the United States maritime industry; or
    4. An entity sponsoring an apprenticeship program registered with 
the Office of Apprenticeship of the Employment and Training 
Administration of the Department of Labor or a State apprenticeship 
agency recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship pursuant to the Act 
of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship 
Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).; or
    5. a maritime training center designated prior to the date of 
enactment of the FY 2023 NDAA; or
    6. A group of covered training entities that:
    i. Consists only of members that meet the eligibility criteria at 
(1)(a), 1(b) and one of the eligibility criteria listed at(1)(c)(1) 
through (1)(c)(4), and the selection criteria under (2);
    ii. Names a member of such group as a lead entity. The lead entity 
will serve as the primary point of contact with MARAD and will be 
responsible for all duties, including administrative, legal and 
financial, as related to the CoE designation. For example, the lead 
entity is responsible for submitting the CoE application, responding to 
any inquiries from MARAD, and coordinating and executing any 
cooperative agreements with MARAD; and
    iii. Has a legally binding agreement signed by all members. That 
agreement must include the name of the group, which will receive the 
CoE designation if one is granted and list the lead entity and its 
responsibilities consistent with (ii) of this section.

2. How does MARAD interpret the selection criteria for CoE designation?

    I. Although CoE designations may result from MARAD review of 
alternative qualifications, applicants will be considered eligible if 
they can demonstrate compliance with all the following criteria:
    a. The academic programs offered by the entity include:
    1. One or more afloat career preparation tracks in the United 
States Maritime Industry, and/or
    2. One or more ashore career preparation tracks in the United 
States Maritime Industry.
    b. Applicant institutions offering afloat career and/or ashore 
career tracks have been accredited as follows:
    1. A postsecondary educational institution must hold current 
accreditation of the institution from a Regional Accreditation Agency 
or a Nationally Recognized Agency on the list of Accrediting Agencies 
approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
    2. A postsecondary vocational institution must hold current 
accreditation of the institution from a Regional Accreditation Agency 
or a Nationally Recognized Agency on the list of Accrediting Agencies 
approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
    3. A public or private non-profit entity that offers one or more 
other structured experiential learning training programs for United 
States workers in the United States maritime industry, including a 
program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in 
partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more employers in 
the United States maritime industry--
    i. must have United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval of the 
mariner training program and mariner training courses offered by the 
institution, if applicable; or
    ii. must hold current accreditation of the maritime training 
program offered by the institution from one or more of the following:
    A. the State's Department of Education or equivalent State agency; 
or
    B. employers in the United States maritime industry; or
    C. other appropriate external review body which is specifically 
authorized to review and validate post-secondary education programs and 
is acceptable to MARAD.
    4. An entity sponsoring a registered apprenticeship program must 
hold current accreditation from a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 29.
    c. As applicable, the applicant maintains USCG approval for the 
merchant mariner training program and/or merchant mariner training 
course(s) offered by the institution.
    d. The applicant provides data and statistics to demonstrate record 
of success in maritime workforce training and education and 
institutional and/or program effectiveness. This should include, but is 
not limited to, recruitment data, past/current enrollment (trends), 
attrition rates, student program completion data, post-program job and 
placement statistics (to the extent available to the institution), and 
program effectiveness feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and 
other stakeholders.
    e. As applicable, the applicant maintains authorization and/or 
endorsement of the program and/or course(s) by an applicable 
professional society or industry body (including, but not limited to 
Welding, Electrician, Electronics, Maritime Construction, Maritime 
Logistics, Maritime Systems, etc.) to issue industry accepted 
certifications that reflect professional

[[Page 46832]]

recognition of the level of educational or technical skill achievement.
    II. Additional factors to be considered include the following 
qualitative attributes fostered by the institution:
    a. Supporting workforce needs of the local, state, or regional 
economy;
    b. Building Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) 
competencies of local/future workforce through maritime programs to 
meet emerging local, regional, and national economic interests;
    c. Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within 
the institution, including among the student body, faculty, and staff;
    d. Offering a broad-based curriculum and stackable credentials 
where applicable;
    e. Engaging and/or collaborating with the maritime industry 
including, but not limited to employers, associations, and other 
industry organizations or partners;
    f. Engaging and/or collaborating with employer-led maritime 
training practices and programs through Sector Partnerships as 
authorized in the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act section 
3(26);
    g. Engaging and/or collaborating with local and regional maritime 
high schools or other high schools with maritime, maritime related, 
Career Technical Education (CTE) or STEM programs;
    h. Engaging and/or collaborating with maritime academies as 
appropriate and other applicable institutions or organizations for 
advanced proficiency and higher education; and
    i. Conducting other significant domestic maritime workforce 
development related activities.

Implementation and Administration

    MARAD will evaluate the applicant's supporting documentation and 
either approve or disapprove the request for designation. During the 
evaluation of the application and the supporting documentation, MARAD 
may request clarifications or additional information from the 
applicant. Upon approval, the Maritime Administrator or his/her 
designee will make a designation. MARAD will thereafter publish the 
CoE's name and contact information on its website.

3. When and where should I submit my application for designation?

    a. MARAD will publish notifications in the Federal Register and on 
its website indicating the application period for the next designation 
cycle. Anticipated time frame for application invitation announcement 
is early spring, with application submission expected within 60 days of 
announcement. Applicants will be provided 60 days to prepare and submit 
their applications.
    b. An eligible training entity seeking designation as a CoE may 
submit applications, including all supporting information and 
documents, by email to [email protected] or by mail addressed as 
follows: Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, Deputy 
Associate Administrator for Maritime Education and Training, Attention: 
CoE Designation Program, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590.

4. How will I know the outcome of my designation request application?

    MARAD will notify each applicant of the status of their designation 
request. During the evaluation period, MARAD may request clarification 
or additional information from the applicant.

5. Does my CoE designation expire?

    Yes. CoE designation is valid only for the year in which the 
designation is made and is identified by designation year (e.g., X has 
been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce 
Training and Education for 2023). Successful applicants from one 
designation cycle are encouraged to reapply during any subsequent 
designation cycle.

How To Apply for a CoE Designation

6. What should be included in my CoE Designation Application?

    Special Instructions: To assist MARAD in its review of your 
application and to ensure that your application is identified as 
complete, your institution should provide only concise and relevant 
information and supporting documentation to adequately demonstrate your 
eligibility and compliance with the statutory designation criteria. To 
that end, MARAD encourages applicants ensure that each responsive 
section and each page of any document or enclosure in their application 
clearly references the question number(s) and section(s) listed in this 
guidance and/or the statute. See the below examples:
    Example 1. ``Mar Ex'' is eligible for the CoE program as a 
Postsecondary Educational Institution. (Q3i). Please find enclosed our 
Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Status, and State 
authorization validation document. (Q3, a, b, c)
    Example 2. ``Mar Ex'' is enclosing the following supporting 
documents to demonstrate that our entity is accredited: U.S. Department 
of Education Accrediting Agency XYZ accreditation (Q5, Section a,i); 
and our Afloat Track program and courses are approved by the USCG (Q5, 
Section a,ii).

    Note:  MARAD will host two (2) ``Center of Excellence 
Application'' sessions to provide guidance to prospective applicants 
on the content of this Federal Register notice. The dates and times 
of those sessions will be announced on the MARAD CoE homepage within 
forty-eight (48) hours of the publication of the Notice of 
Opportunity to Apply. Attendance at either of those information 
sessions is entirely voluntary and not a requirement of the 
application process.

Information To Include in Your Application

    All submitted documents should clearly reference the question 
number(s) and section(s) listed in this guidance and/or the statute.
    1. Letter applying for CoE designation from the Chief Executive of 
the applicant institution.
    2. Applicant contact information:
    a. Legal name of applicant institution and address.
    b. Chief executive's name, position title, address, phone number(s) 
and email.
    c. Points of contact (POC) name(s), position titles, phone 
number(s), emails.
    3. Indicate the eligibility category under which the applicant 
entity is claiming eligibility for the CoE program:
    i. 1(c)(1) Postsecondary Educational Institution; or
    ii. 1(c)(2) Postsecondary Vocational Institution; or
    iii. 1(c)(3) Public or private nonprofit entity that offers one or 
more other structured experiential learning training programs for 
United States workers in the United States maritime industry, including 
a program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in 
partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more employers in 
the United States maritime industry; or
    iv. 1(c)(4) Entity sponsoring a registered apprenticeship program; 
or
    v. 1(c)(5) A maritime training center designated prior to the date 
of enactment of the FY 2023 NDAA; or
    vi. 1(c)(6) A Group of covered training entities.
    4. Submit the following supporting information and documents:
    a. Charter, Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of 
Incorporation, or equivalent.
    b. Certificate of Status (also known as Certificate of Existence or 
Certificate of Good Standing), a document issued by a State official 
(usually the Secretary of State), if applicable.

[[Page 46833]]

    c. State authorization validation documents, if applicable.
    d. Public or Non-Profit status certification.
    e. Accreditation approval letter(s) from an accrediting 
agency(ies), if applicable.
    f. Approval letter from a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 29, if applicable.
    g. Approval letter from the State's Department of Education or 
equivalent State agency, if applicable.
    h. Approval letter from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), if 
applicable.
    i. ISO 9001 or other quality management certification, if 
applicable.
    j. Data and statistics to demonstrate record of success in maritime 
workforce training and education and institutional effectiveness. This 
should include, but not be limited to, recruitment data, past/current 
enrollment (trends), attrition rates, student program completion data, 
post-program job and placement statistics (to the extent available to 
the institution), and program effectiveness feedback from students, 
faculty, alumni, and other stakeholders.
    Note: This information corresponds to the types of data commonly 
collected annually as part of a higher education institution's 
Performance Accountability Report (PAR).
    4. Indicate the total number of afloat career preparation tracks 
and/or the total number of ashore career preparation tracks your 
institution offers in the United States Maritime Industry and submit 
the following supporting information:
    a. Program summary;
    b. A description of applicable courses offered (only relevant 
maritime related program-specific pages from the catalogue);
    c. If applicable, letters of authorization and/or endorsement of 
the course/program and/or course(s) by an applicable professional 
society or industry body (including, but not limited to Welding, 
Electrician, Electronics, Maritime Construction, Maritime Logistics, 
Maritime Systems, etc.) to issue industry accepted certifications that 
reflect a professionally recognized level of educational or technical 
skill achievement; and
    d. Any other relevant supporting documentation.

    Note:  Applicant institutions offering both ashore and afloat 
career tracks should submit supporting information for both tracks.

    5. Applicant institutions offering afloat career and/or ashore 
career tracks should demonstrate that they have satisfied accreditation 
requirements, as set forth below:
    a. Postsecondary educational institutions and postsecondary 
vocational institutions--
    i. are accredited by a Regional Accreditation Agency or a 
Nationally Recognized Agency on the list of Accrediting Agencies 
approved by the U.S. Department of Education; and
    ii. if applicable, the mariner training program and mariner 
training courses offered by the institution have USCG approval.
    b. A public or private nonprofit entity that offers one or more 
other structured experiential learning training programs for United 
States workers in the United States maritime industry, including a 
program that is offered by a labor organization or conducted in 
partnership with a nonprofit organization or one or more employers in 
the United States maritime industry that--
    i. has United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval of the mariner 
training program and mariner training courses offered by the 
institution, if applicable; or
    ii. holds current accreditation of the maritime training program 
offered by the institution from one or more of the following:
    A. the State's Department of Education or equivalent State agency; 
or
    B. employers in the United States maritime industry; or
    C. other appropriate external review body which is specifically 
authorized to review and validate post-secondary education programs and 
is acceptable to MARAD.
    c. An entity sponsoring a registered apprenticeship program holds 
current accreditation from a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 29.
    d. A maritime training center designated prior to the date of 
enactment of the FY 2023 NDAA.
    6. All applicant institutions should submit a brief narrative 
statement* for one or more qualitative attributes fostered by the 
institution to accomplish the following:
    a. Support the workforce needs of the local, state, or regional 
economy;
    b. Build the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) 
competencies of local/future workforce to meet emerging local, 
regional, and national economic interests;
    c. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within 
the institution, including among the student body, faculty, and staff;
    d. Offer a broad-based curriculum and stackable credentials, where 
applicable;
    e. Engage and/or collaborate with the maritime industry, including, 
but not limited to employers, associations, and other industry 
organizations or partners;
    f. Engage and/or collaborate with employer-led maritime training 
practices and programs through Sector Partnerships as authorized in the 
2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act section 3(26);
    g. Engage and/or collaborate with local and regional maritime high 
schools with maritime, maritime related, Career Technical Education 
(CTE) or STEM programs;
    h. Engage and/or collaborate with maritime academies and other 
institutions or organizations for advanced proficiency and higher 
education; and
    i. Conduct other significant domestic maritime workforce 
development related activities.
    7. All applicant institutions may provide any relevant 
endorsements, awards, recognition and significant accomplishments in 
support of their application.

    Note:  As part of designation, CoE designee institutions are 
geolocated on MARAD's CoE Interactive Map located on the MARAD 
website. In addition to identifying geographic location, this map 
also provides a link to a landing page for each institution and a 
brief narrative statement, an Institution Overview, about each 
institution's maritime program. Applicants are encouraged to take 
into consideration that the information they submit for 6a-6i may 
serve dual purpose: application support and content for a one-page 
institutional overview that highlights your institution's 
achievements and aspirations.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements in the final CoE 
designation policy have been approved under information collection 
number 2133-0549 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. In accordance 
with 5 CFR 1320.5(b)(2)(i), persons are not required to provide 
information to the Government unless the information collection 
displays a current and valid OMB control number. This application 
process is operating under the following current and valid OMB control 
number: 2133-0549.

(Authority: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2023, Pub. L. 117-263 (December 23, 2022), 46 U.S.C. 51706. The 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended.)


[[Page 46834]]


    By Order of the Maritime Administrator.
T. Mitchell Hudson, Jr.,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-15382 Filed 7-19-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-81-P